Villa del Sol Location

Just Minutes from Downtown Corpus Christi

For the more adventuresome, use Villa del Sol as your base and enjoy day trips which will take you to old Mexico for terrific shopping and dining; to the historic and fabled King Ranch; to the Aransas Wildlife Refuge to see the Whooping Cranes; and, of course, beautiful Padre Island where the surf's always up!

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MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY

The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History has recently undergone major remodeling and expansion efforts, turning the building into a jewel of natural and historical wonders almost bursting at the seams with new exhibits. Featured at the museum is the Seeds of Change exhibit, the Smithsonian Institution's exhibit commemorating the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' voyage to the New World. Relive the history of this turbulent port as you explore a fully restored Spanish galleon and priceless artifacts from barrier island shipwrecks. Visitors will experience science and natural history through hands-on exhibits and dramatic re-creations. Features include a 1554 Spanish shipwreck, a children's interactive exhibit area and touch tables with smaller tactile items. An art gallery, the Smithsonian's Seeds of Change and exhibits on marine science, the petroleum industry and Indian exhibits are all found here.
Open Tues-Sun 10-5
1900 N. Chaparral Street
(361)-883-2862

ART MUSEUM OF SOUTH TEXAS

Exhibits share space with breathtaking views of the bay in this facility designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson. Special exhibits include the annual Christmas Tree Forest, which features scores of uniquely decorated trees form people and organizations throughout the Corpus Christi area. It offers a continuous program of changing exhibits as well as an impressive permanent collection.
Open Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5; extended holiday hours.
1902 N. Shoreline Boulevard
(361)-884-3844

PADRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE

One of the 11 national seashores in the U.S., this 110-mile barrier island stretches between the Texas mainland and the sparkling surf of the Gulf of Mexico. Endless beaches and fishing coves lure visitors from all over the world. Miles of white sandy shoreline, this is the longest stretch of primitive, undeveloped ocean beach in the country. The sun and surf of Padre Island make this beach ideal for swimming nearly year-round. Visitors can fish in the Gulf or in the shallow, salty waters of Laguna Madre. All vehicles can travel on the 8.5 mile paved park entrance road, North Beach, and the first five miles of South Beach. Four-wheel drive vehicles are required on the southern 55 miles of the road less Gulf beach. Hiking, camping and bird watching are among favorite pastimes along the seashore. Boating, water-skiing and sail surfing are perfect for the shallow waters of Laguna Madre. The park includes a boat launch at Bird Island Basin, a Gulf Ranger Station, a Visitor Center, a bathhouse and picnic areas.
Park Road 22, 12 Miles South of the J.F.K. Causeway
(361)-949-8068 or (361)-949-8174

KING RANCH

Larger than the entire state of Rhode Island, this is the ranching heart of the region. Spend a day touring the spread where cowboys still work the Santa Gertrudis cattle and breed the train thoroughbred horses. The King Ranch was founded in 1853 after Captain Richard King traveled to Corpus Christi for the Lone Star State Fair. At the fair, Captain King and a friend formed a partnership to establish and operate a livestock operation. The land was part of a 15,500-acre grant known as the Rincon de Santa Gertrudis. Today the working ranch sprawls across 825,000-acres of South Texas and is home to 60,000 cattle and 300 registered Quarter Horses. The ranch is also a multinational agribusiness and energy exploration corporation, which produces grain sorghum, sugar cane, rice, cotton, turf grass, alfalfa and cattle. The visitor center is open Mon.-Sat 9-4 and Sun 12-5.
The King Ranch Museum is open Mon-Sat 12-4 and Sun 1-5.
Guided tours are available.
State Highway 141, Kingsville
(361)-592-8055!
Kingsville Visitors' Center
(361)-592-6411

ARANSAS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Located just north of Rockport, this federally maintained wildlife refuge offer six hiking trails, a picnic area, an interpretive center, an observation tower with telescopes and a boardwalk leading to the bay. A 16-mile auto tour loop is available. Fishing access is available to the bays April 15-Oct. 15. Local Charter boats depart from either Rockport Harbor of Fisherman's Wharf in Port Aransas daily, Nov-March, to view the endangered whooping cranes. The gates are open sunrise-sunset; the interpretive center is open daily 8:30-4:30, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
FM 2040, Approximately 75 miles North of Corpus Christi, Near Rockport
(361)-286-3559

CENTENNIAL HOUSE

The city's oldest existing home, built in 1848, was once a Civil War hospital. Furnished with pieces dated from this era. Tours are educational and informative - not only about the home, but about the way of life during this time period. Tours are given Wed 2-5 when flags are flying and by appointment for large groups. 411 N. Upper Broadway (361)-992-6003

ASIAN CULTURES MUSEUM

The museum houses over 8,000 objects and documents... the largest collection of artifacts to leave Japan in the 1950s. Additionally, there are arts and crafts from the Philippines, China and Korea. Exhibits include a 5 ft. bronze Amida Buddha, Chinese porcelain, lacquer ware, opera costumes and Hakata dolls.
Admission: Adults $4.00; seniors and Military with I.D. $3.50; Youths 6 - 15 yrs. $2.50; Children 5 yrs. and under free.
Tues-Sat 10am-5pm
1809 N. Chaparral
(361) 882-2641

ART CENTER OF CORPUS CHRISTI

The Center, located in a bayfront building, is the home of many local artists who practice their craft and display their works in changing exhibits. Exhibits change on a monthly basis. The center is an umbrella organization for about 10 groups that exhibit work at the center. The groups also use the center as a meeting place, and several studios are available for rent to members. A tea room overlooks the city marina and is a popular luncheon place. The center also has a gift shop and regularly holds exhibits of members' work. The public may participate in ongoing workshops sponsored by the center. There is also a library available for visitors.
Open Tues-Sun 10-4
100 Shoreline Boulevard
(361)-884-6406

FULTON MANSION

Colonel George Fulton built this 29-room mansion in 1877.Many innovative features for the era were installed in the mansion, including hot and cold running water, indoor plumbing, central heat and a gas lighting system. Tours are offered Wed-Sun; call for tour hours.
317 Fulton Beach Road, Fulton
(361)-729-0386

BOTANICAL GARDENS

This 264-acre garden includes more than 1,000 native South Texas plants. Other features include nature trails, a picnic area, an information center and a gift shop. Seminars and workshops are offered for the public. A Children's Garden has recently opened offering gardening workshops for children in two sessions, Fall and Spring.
Open Tues-Sun 9-5
8510 S. Staples Street, South of Oso Creek Bridge
(361)-852-2100

GOOSE ISLAND STATE PARK

This 314-acre state park is perfect for fishing, birding, boating, hiking and camping. Electricity and water hook-ups are available for campers at 45 sites on the bayfront and 57 sites in the wooded area. Twenty-five sites offer water hook-ups only. A special feature of the park is the 1,000-year-old "Big Tree," the oldest and largest live oak tree in Texas. The park is open daily year-round.
Off State Highway 35 on Park Road 13, 12 Miles Northeast of Rockport
(361)-729-2858

HERITAGE PARK

Corpus Christi's heritage is preserved in this display featuring beautifully restored homes from the turn of the century, Heritage Park tells the story of many of Corpus Christi's early settlers. The homes represent the ethnic and cultural diversity of this area's past. Many of the homes are Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks. With the exception of the Galvan House, all homes have been restored by non-profit organizations. The Galvan House is home to the City of Corpus Christi Multicultural Center. One and half-hour guided tours are conducted on Friday and Saturday at 10:30am and 12:45pm and on Wednesday and Thursday at 10:30am. Most houses are open Friday and Saturday 10-2. Cooking demonstrations and exhibits are hosted monthly in the park. Heritage Park is available for group functions. Call to confirm hours at each site.
1581 N. Chaparral Street
(361)-883-0639

CORPUS CHRISTI GREYHOUND RACE TRACK

The recently completed luxurious race facility is very close to Corpus Christi Beach. The track is a great success and a highlight event for our guests. The Greyhound Race Track opened in November of 1990, about a year and a half after the Texas State Legislature legalized pari-mutuel betting in Texas. Owned principally by Southwest Florida Enterprises, the $21 million facility rivals any racing complex in the country. It features a luxurious clubhouse with full service restaurant and ad excellent view of the track, and television monitors at every tables how the racing action live. Year-round pari-mutuel racing is offered seven days a week. The action strikes every 12 minutes as one of the thirteen races begins. The Grandstand offers completely enclosed, air-conditioned seating areas, as well as T.V. lounges and a food court concession area. The 450-seat Clubhouse Dining Room offers a variety of cuisine and specials. Doors open 6pm every night. Matinees run most days. Call for current schedule.
5302 Leopard Street
(361)-289-9333 or 1-800-580-RACE (580-7223)